By this time, Mr. Darcy had drawn near his betrothed.
“No matter how much she improves, or does not improve, I already find her performances deeply affecting. She moved me to tears the very first time I heard her sing, sir. I believe any man would agree with me upon hearing her.”
Mr. Steele chuckled. “Yes, sir, any man certainly would, but Lady Helen assures me that the young women vying for the attentions of the finite number of eligible gentlemen shall prove far less charitable. Therefore, Miss Bennet has promised to exert herself sufficiently to attain a level of proficiency that shall not bring a blush to her sponsor’s cheek, sir.”
Mr. Darcy’s eyes settled fondly on Elizabeth.
“May I hear you sing, darling, before I am obliged to leave you?”
She turned toward Mr. Steele, who nodded.
“Miss Elizabeth, singThe Elfin King.” Turning to Darcy, he explained, “That is the piece we have spent the past hour perfecting, sir.”
Elizabeth began to play, and then her voice rose in song. Before she finished, Mr. Beaumont and Jane had quietly entered to listen.
When the final notes faded, Mr. Darcy requested another piece.
She sangThe Cruel Mother.
Once she had finished, Mr. Darcy reluctantly excused himself, and Beaumont accompanied him to the door.
“Beaumont,” Darcy said, “I must show my face at White’s this morning. Lady Helen’s orders. Richard is occupied with the Customs officials, but expects to apprise me of the current state of the smuggling ring. Will you accompany me?”
Beaumont grinned. “So, you are to play the besotted suitor?”
Darcy pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger while squeezing his eyes shut. “Yes, something of thatnature. It goes strongly against the grain, but I agreed to do my part.”
“I shall join you. I confess I enjoy witnessing a man eat humble pie. You are now paying for all the years you spent looking down your nose at eligible young ladies, breaking hearts and dashing hopes.”
Darcy looked appalled. “I swear I did no such thing.”
“Not intentionally, perhaps, but the effect remained the same. When a man enjoys your appearance and is as wealthy as Croesus, there can scarcely be any other outcome, particularly when he remains unmarried.”
Beaumont clapped Darcy upon the shoulder. “Do not take it too hard, Darcy. We all know the damage was done unintentionally.”
Elizabeth and Georgiana ate a light luncheon before the deportment and etiquette master presented himself. Jane joined the two ladies, and the women spent the next four hours learning how deeply to curtsy to every rank of peer, how to conduct introductions, and how to comport themselves under a variety of social situations.
All three were exhausted by the time Mr. Elias Butler departed for the day. Lounging upon the chairs and couch facing the hearth, they sipped tea and ate lemon cakes.
“Lizzy, I never realized how much I did not know. I can scarcely blame Caroline Bingley for looking down her nose and declaring me a country chit, for indeed that is what I am.”
Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with merriment. “As are all the Bennet sisters. Georgiana, I marvel that your brother did not dismiss meas a milkmaid and flee screaming rather than permit himself to succumb to my charms.”
She turned toward Jane. “Lady Helen declares that once he entered my company, he never stood a chance.”
Georgiana reddened.
Elizabeth took her hand and pressed it affectionately. “Yes, I heard that particular pronouncement. I pretended otherwise because I did not wish to distress you. But, my dear, you must not fear. I hold your Aunt Helen in very high regard and feel only gratitude for all she is doing on my behalf. Nothing she says or does shall injure my feelings unless she truly turns against me. Otherwise, she shall possess my eternal gratitude.”
The next four weeks passed in precisely this manner. Each evening, Elizabeth fell into bed exhausted, and each morning she woke longing for Mr. Darcy.
Between her lessons, fittings, and endless shopping expeditions for the countless items Lady Helen deemed necessary, the couple scarcely enjoyed a moment together. Mr. Darcy remained at Elizabeth’s side for as long as Lady Helen permitted, though she generally sent him away within ten minutes of his arrival.
Each night, when he came to collect his sister, he found some excuse to draw Elizabeth aside, exchange a few quiet words, steal a kiss, and then he went reluctantly on his way.
Chapter 39: The Twelfth Night Ball
It was the evening of January 5, 1812, and the much-anticipated Twelfth Night Ball given by the Countess's closest friend had finally arrived. Elizabeth stood beside Lady Helen, feeling rather like a princess in an enchanted castle. She waited in the receiving line at Lady Sophia’s Ball, the first grand society ball Elizabeth had ever attended. Mr. Darcy followed just behind her. Yet the nearer they approached the receiving line, the more stiff and reserved he became, until at last she rose upon tiptoe to whisper, “Are you well, sir?”
